Pictorial Format Displays for Two-Seat Fighter-Attack Aircraft

Abstract

Use of pictorial displays was explored as one solution to the complexity of modern aircraft and missions. A simulator crew-in-the-loop study was conducted to evaluate the utility and crew acceptance of pictorial format displays for two-seat fighter-attack aircraft, to determine whether utility and crew acceptance were affected by application of color, and to recommend format changes based on the results. Pictorial formats were developed in both color and monochrome for the Head-Up Display and tactical, situation, and system status displays. Sixteen operational two-man aircrews learned the formats and flew them in mission simulation. Opinion, workload, and performance data were collected. The crews clearly supported the concept of pictorial formats, preferred the color version, and provided critiques of specific formats.